Cosmetic Applicator with Torque Limiter

ABSTRACT

A cosmetic applicator includes a handle, a drive coupled to the handle, an applicator head coupled to the drive, and a torque limiter. The torque limiter includes a fluidic or viscous coupling, the fluidic or viscous coupling being coupled to at least one of the drive and the applicator head such that the torque applied via the applicator head does not exceed a predetermined allowable torque.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to a cosmetic applicator with atorque limiter, and in particular to an applicator having an applicatorhead with a rotational motion component for use in applying cosmeticmaterial, such as mascara, to keratinous fibers, such as eyelashes, anda torque limiter for use with such an applicator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of cosmetic applicators are known in the art. Brushes orwands for applying mascara to eyelashes, for example, generally includean applicator head with a stem having a first end attached to a handle.The applicator head also includes one or more applicator elementscoupled to a second end of the stem. In use, the applicator elements areloaded with mascara and applied to the eyelashes.

Conventional mascara brushes typically require manipulation of thehandle or other member, and often require repeated passes of the brushacross the eyelash, to completely and uniformly coat each eyelash withmascara while maintaining or promoting separation of the eyelashes fromone another. To coat the entire eyelash, for example, a user may movethe brush in a vertical direction to ensure that the entire eyelash iscovered. In addition, a user may rotate the brush to place differentportions of the brush head in contact with the eyelash, depending on thedesired amount of mascara to be applied to the eyelashes. Still further,a user may also reciprocate the brush in a horizontal direction topromote separation of the eyelashes and/or to ensure better coverage ofthe eyelashes. Consequently, a user must provide the motive force forapplying the brush to the eyelashes and must have sufficient dexterityto manipulate the brush as needed to cover the eyelashes in asatisfactory manner. In addition, mascara application with conventionalbrushes requires several brush passes and therefore is inefficient.

More recently, rotating mascara brushes have been proposed in which astem of the brush is supported for rotational motion relative to thehandle. The force for rotating the stem and attached brush head may beeither manual, such as for the brushes described in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,145,514 to Clay and 5,937,871 to Clay, or may be electrically driven,such as the brush described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,056,111 to Mantelet. Suchbrushes assist the user by automating, at least to some degree, theprocess of application of the mascara to the eyelash, and therebyaddress some of the difficulties and inefficiencies experienced withbrushes where the applicator head is fixed to the handle.

It will be recognized that it is possible, under certain circumstances,for eyelashes to become bound to the applicator head or become enmeshedwith the applicator elements during application of mascara. For example,as an applicator head is rotated, the eyelashes may become coupled tothe applicator elements, and may begin to wrap about the applicatorhead. As the rotational motion of the applicator head continues, theapplicator may begin to pull or tug on the eyelashes, and even on theeyelid. Automation may increase the speed at which this effect occurs,and thereby decrease the time window for the user to take correctiveaction.

Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide a system or an article thatlimits the amount of force applied to eyelashes that are in contact witha rotating element of the system or article. It may also be desirable toprovide a system or an article that automatically limits uncontrolledbinding or enmeshment of the applicator elements and the eyelash (i.e.,without user intervention). It may also be desirable to provide a systemor an article that facilitates the efforts of the user while overcomingone or more of the drawbacks of conventional technology.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A cosmetic applicator includes a handle, a drive coupled to the handle,an applicator head coupled to the drive, and a torque limiter. Thetorque limiter includes a fluidic or viscous coupling, the fluidic orviscous coupling being coupled to at least one of the drive and theapplicator head such that the torque applied via the applicator headdoes not exceed a predetermined allowable torque.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as thepresent invention, it is believed that the invention will be more fullyunderstood from the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings. Some of the figures may have been simplified bythe omission of selected elements for the purpose of more clearlyshowing other elements. Such omissions of elements in some figures arenot necessarily indicative of the presence or absence of particularelements in any of the exemplary embodiments, except as may beexplicitly delineated in the corresponding written description. None ofthe drawings are necessarily to scale.

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a cosmetic applicator marked with severalalternative placements for a torque limiter according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic of a torque limiter in the form of a slipcoupling;

FIG. 3 is a schematic of a torque limiter in the form of a slipcoupling;

FIG. 4 is a schematic of a torque limiter in the form of a slipcoupling;

FIG. 5 is a schematic of a torque limiter in the form of a slipcoupling;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematics of a torque limiter in the form of a slipcoupling;

FIG. 7 is a schematic of a torque limiter in the form of a slipcoupling;

FIG. 8 is a schematic of a torque limiter in the form of a slipcoupling;

FIG. 9 is a schematic of a torque limiter in the form of a slipcoupling;

FIG. 10 is a schematic of a torque limiter in the form of a slipcoupling;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are schematics of a torque limiter in the form of aslip coupling;

FIG. 12 is a schematic of a torque limiter in the form of a slipcoupling;

FIG. 13 is a schematic of a torque limiter in the form of a slipcoupling;

FIG. 14 is a schematic of a torque limiter in the form of a magneticcoupling;

FIGS. 15A and 15B are a schematic of a torque limiter in the form of amagnetic coupling;

FIG. 16 is a schematic of a torque limiter in the form of a magnetic andslip coupling;

FIG. 17 is a schematic of an alternative embodiment to the magnetic andslip coupling of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a schematic of an alternative embodiment to the magnetic andslip coupling of FIG. 16;

FIGS. 19A and 19B are a schematic of a torque limiter in the form of afluidic or viscous coupling;

FIG. 20 is a schematic of a torque limiter in the form of a fluidic orviscous coupling;

FIG. 21 is a schematic of a torque limiter in the form of a fluidic orviscous coupling;

FIG. 22 is schematic of a first alternative torque limiter;

FIGS. 23A and 23B are schematics of a second alternative torque limiter;

FIG. 24 is a schematic of a third alternative torque limiter;

FIGS. 25A and 25B are schematics of a fourth alternative torque limiter;

FIG. 26 is a schematic of a fifth alternative torque limiter;

FIG. 27 is a schematic of a sixth alternative torque limiter;

FIGS. 28A-E are side elevation views of alternative protrusionarrangements;

FIGS. 29A-V are cross-sectional views of alternative protrusions;

FIGS. 30A and 30B are perspective views of alternative protrusions;

FIGS. 31A-C are plan and side views of a combination of flexible andstiff protrusions;

FIGS. 32A-K are cross-sectional views of alternative stems;

FIG. 32L illustrates an off-center stem;

FIGS. 33A-M are end views of alternative protrusion distributions;

FIGS. 34A-D are four side views of various quadrants of an applicatorhead;

FIGS. 35A-D are four side views of various quadrants of an applicatorhead;

FIGS. 36A-D are four side views of various quadrants of an applicatorhead;

FIGS. 37A-D are four side views of various quadrants of an applicatorhead;

FIGS. 38A-D are four side views of various quadrants of an applicatorhead;

FIGS. 39A-D are four side views of various quadrants of an applicatorhead;

FIGS. 40A-D are four side views of various quadrants of an applicatorhead;

FIG. 41 is a graph of a sinusoidal speed variation plotted with rotationspeed as a function of angle position;

FIG. 42 is a graph of a step-wise speed variation plotted withrotational speed as a function of angle position;

FIG. 43A is a cross-sectional view of an applicator with a drive thatgenerates rotational motion;

FIGS. 43B-E are fragmentary side views of the drive illustrated in FIG.43A;

FIG. 44A is a cross-sectional view of an applicator with a drive thatgenerates rotational motion;

FIGS. 44B and 44C are fragmentary side views of the drive illustrated inFIG. 44A;

FIG. 45A is a cross-sectional view of an applicator with a drive thatgenerates rotational motion;

FIG. 45B is a fragmentary side views of the drive illustrated in FIG.45A;

FIGS. 45C and 45 D are a cross-sectional views of the applicatorillustrated in FIG. 45A;

FIGS. 46A and 46B are cross-sectional views of an applicator with adrive that generates axial and rotational motion;

FIGS. 47A-C are cross-sectional views of an applicator with a drive thatgenerates axial or vibrational motion and rotational motion;

FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of an applicator with a drive thatgenerates vibrational and rotational motion;

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view of an applicator with a drive that iscapable of generating one or more of vibrational, radial and rotationalmotion;

FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of an applicator with a drive thatgenerates vibrational and rotational motion;

FIG. 51A is cross-sectional view of an applicator with a drive thatgenerates vibrational and rotational motion;

FIG. 51B is a fragmentary plan view of the drive illustrated in FIG.51A; and

FIG. 52 is a schematic of a kit including an applicator according to oneor more of the forgoing embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure details a variety of torque limiters for use witha cosmetic applicator having applicator elements that at least incertain states are moveable with at least a rotational motion component.While various embodiments of torque limiters are discussed withreference to FIGS. 1-27, additional disclosure is provided withreference to FIGS. 28-51 regarding the various components of theapplicator (e.g., the applicator head, the drive, etc.) so as toillustrate, in part, the potential range of applicators that may be usedwith the torque limiters according to the present disclosure.

Definitions

The term “cosmetic applicator” or “applicator” refers to an apparatus,device or system used to apply cosmetic material, such as mascara, to akeratinous material, such as eyelashes.

The term “applicator element” refers to a structure from which acosmetic material, such as mascara, is transferred to a keratinousmaterial, such as eyelashes.

The term “applicator head” refers to one or more applicator elements anda structure that supports the applicator element(s). According tocertain embodiments, the applicator head may include protrusions and acore from which the protrusions extend or depend.

The term “attached” refers to elements being connected or united byadhering, fastening, bonding, etc. by any method suitable for theelements being joined together. Many suitable methods for attachingelements together are well-known, including adhesive bonding, mechanicalfastening, etc. Such attachment methods may be used to attach elementstogether over a particular area either continuously or intermittently.

The term “coupled” refers to configurations whereby an element isdirectly secured to another element by attaching the element directly tothe other element, and to configurations whereby an element isindirectly secured to another element by attaching the element tointermediate member(s) that is(are) in turn attached to the otherelement.

The term “disposed” is used to mean that an element(s) is exists in aparticular place or position as a unitary structure with other elementsor as a separate element coupled to other elements.

The term “drive” refers to an apparatus, device or system that moves adriven element, such as an applicator head or applicator element, thatis coupled to the drive. The drive may include a motor, a transmissionand a source of power for the motor.

The term “protrusion” refers to a member that extends or dependsgenerally away from or into a base surface, such as of an applicatorhead. As such, a protrusion provides a localized area that is notcontinuous with the surrounding base surface.

Applicator with Torque Limiter

As seen in FIG. 1, a cosmetic applicator 100 according to the presentdisclosure includes a handle 102, a drive 104 disposed on or in thehandle 102, and an applicator head 106 coupled to the drive 104. Theapplicator 100 also includes, according to the present disclosure, atorque limiter 108 that limits the torque applied via the applicatorhead 106, in whole or in part and at least in certain states, such thatthe torque does not exceed a predetermined allowable torque.

In all or only in certain operative states, the drive 104 may move theapplicator head 106 (in whole or in part) at rotational speeds suitablefor applying mascara to keratinous fibers. That is, in certain operativestates, the drive 104 may be disengaged and/or decoupled from theapplicator head 106 such that the applicator head 106 has no or limitedrotational motion (or no or limited motion) relative to the handle 102,while in other states the drive 104 may be engaged and/or coupled to thehead 106 to move the head 106 with a rotational motion componentrelative to the handle 102. Alternatively, the drive 104 and/or the head106 may be secured against at least rotation motion in certain operativestates. In regard to such alternative embodiments, the drive 104 or head106 may be engaged, in whole or in part, by an element, such as aswitch, that couples the drive or the head 106 fixedly to the handle102, such that no or only limited relative rotational motion (or no orlimited motion) may occur between the head 106 and the handle 102.

As to the operational speeds possible for the head 106, a speed ofapproximately 1 to 200 rpm may be used. According to certainembodiments, a speed of approximately 5 to 100 rpm may be used. In fact,according to particular embodiments, speeds within the range ofapproximately 10 to 60 rpm may be used. The speed may be fixed, or maybe adjustable within the appropriate range, as explained in greaterdetail below.

The drive 104 may include a motor or actuator 120. The motor 120 may bemechanical motor with a source of potential mechanical energy in theform of a resilient member—a spring or rubber band, for example.Alternatively, the motor 120 may be an electric motor, in which case thedrive 104 may also include a power source 124 (such as a battery, forexample) coupled to the motor 120 to provide the necessary voltage andcurrent. Where the motor 120 is an electric motor, the voltage andcurrent may even be provided by an power source external to the handle102, such as an embodiment wherein to the motor 120 is coupled to theelectric mains via an electrical outlet, for example. According tocertain embodiments, a drive circuit may be coupled to the motor 120 andthe source 124 to control operation of the motor 120. The drive circuitmay include a switch 128 to turn the motor 120 on and off, or couple anddecouple the motor 120 to the source 124.

The drive 104 may also include a transmission 130 that is coupled to ashaft 132 of the motor 120. The transmission 130 may transform, in wholeor in part, the motion of the motor 120 (or, more particularly, themotor shaft 132) prior to coupling to the applicator head 106. Forexample, linear motion of the motor 120 may be transformed, at least inpart, to rotational motion. In addition or in the alternative, thetransmission 130 may reduce the speed of the motor 120 to a rotationalspeed appropriate for the applicator head 106. In certain embodiments,the transmission 130 may not be required because the motor shaft 132does not rotate faster than the desired rotational speed of theapplicator head 106. In other embodiments, the transmission 130 may notbe required because the motor 120 is capable of providing variablemotions or speeds.

FIG. 1 illustrates several different locations where the torque limiter108 may be disposed or coupled. In general terms, the torque limiter 108may be coupled between the drive 104 and the applicator head 106 or maybe disposed within the drive 104. In particular, the torque limiter 108may be coupled at various points between the head 106 and the drive 104,and in particular between the head 106 and a transmission 130.Alternatively, the torque limiter 108 may be coupled to or disposedwithin the motor 120 or the transmission 130. It should also be notedthat the limiter 108 may include subassemblies, each of thesubassemblies associated with different elements of the applicator 100(the head 106 and the drive 104, for example) and the limiter 108 formedonly after the elements are assembled to form the applicator 100. FIG. 1is not intended to be exhaustive of the potential variations inplacement or assembly, but merely illustrative of the positions andassembly options possible.

It will be recognized that the torque limiter 108 has a predeterminedtorque at which it is triggered, decoupling the head 106 from the drive104, for example. The predetermined torque for the limiter 108 in suchembodiments may represent a maximum allowable torque at which theapplicator head 106 will remain coupled to the drive 104. It ispresently believed that the predetermined torque should be no greaterthan approximately 5 oz-in. Accordingly, the predetermined torque(maximum allowable torque) may be approximately 2 oz-in, approximately1.5 oz-in or even approximately 0.5 oz-in. On the other hand, it ispresently also believed that the predetermined torque should not be lessthan approximately 0.1 oz-in, or in any event not less thanapproximately 0.05 oz-in. Thus, one acceptable range of predeterminedtorques (maximum allowable torques) may be between approximately 0.1oz-in and approximately 1.5 oz-in. Alternatively, an acceptable range ofallowable torques may be between approximately 0.1 oz-in andapproximately 0.5 oz-in.

Upon reaching the predetermined torque, the response of the torquelimiter according to the present disclosure may vary among theembodiments disclosed. According to certain embodiments, a certain levelof torque may be permitted, which torque may assist in signaling to theuser that a condition exists that needs to be resolved. For example, thetorque limiter may be in the form a weak torque motor that simply stallswhen a certain torque is achieved. According to alternative embodiments,when the predetermined torque is exceeded, the torque limiter operatesto decouple the head 106 from the drive 102, or to deactivate the drive102, or a combination thereof. Thus, a torque limiter seeks to limit thetorque, but does not necessarily decouple or deactivate the drive.

The torque limiter 108 may take any of a number of different forms. Forexample, the torque limiter 108 may include a slip coupling (FIGS.2-13). According to other embodiments, the torque limiter 108 mayinclude a magnetic coupling (FIGS. 14-18). According to still otherembodiments, the torque limiter 108 may include a fluidic or viscouscoupling (FIGS. 19-21). Further, the torque limiter 108 may includedifferent mechanisms for decoupling the motor 120 from the power source124 (FIGS. 22, 23 and 25), or decoupling the transmission 130 (FIG. 24).Alternatively, a mechanism for absorbing the torque may be used (FIGS.26 and 27).

It will be recognized that a torque limiter 108 that includescombinations of structures from each of these groups may be possible(e.g., a torque limiter 108 that includes a slip coupling and a magneticcoupling). It will also be recognized that additional embodiments oftorque limiters may exist. However, it would be impractical, if notimpossible, to recite every combination and every embodiment.Consequently, the following exemplary combinations and embodiments arediscussed below.

Slip Coupling as Torque Limiter

FIGS. 2-13 illustrate a variety of torque limiters 108 in the form ofslip couplings. In general terms, a slip coupling may include at least apair of opposing surfaces coupled to each other through a frictionalconnection.

The frictional connection will be determined, at least in part,according to the static and kinetic coefficients of friction of thematerials used for the coupling. According to certain embodiments, thestatic and kinetic coefficients of friction for the materials used inthe slip coupling may be substantially equal (a ratio of one or nearlyone). According to other embodiments, however, the coefficients may notbe substantially equal. For example, materials having a higher staticcoefficient of friction that kinetic coefficient of friction may be usedsuch that torque is transmitted past the coupling only after therelative motion between the opposing surfaces stops.

The coefficients of friction for a material on one side of thefrictional connection may be varied by applying a coating to one or moreof the opposing surfaces. For example, a material such a TEFLON may beused to vary the coefficients of friction. It will be recognized thatother alternative materials could be used.

The coefficients of friction may also be varied by altering the surfacecharacteristics of one or more of the opposing surfaces throughtexturing. The surfaces may be smooth or substantially smooth.Alternatively, the surfaces may be rough or substantially rough.

FIG. 2 illustrates a first slip coupling 200 according to the presentdisclosure. The slip coupling 200 may include three wheels 202, 204,206, each wheel 202, 204, 206 mounted on a respective shaft 212, 214,216. It will be recognized relative to this and other embodiments, gearsmay be used in place of wheels. As illustrated, the shafts 212, 216 liein the plane of the page, while the shaft 214 is at an angle (e.g.,orthogonal) to the plane of the page. The shaft 212 may be coupled tothe drive 104, while the shaft 216 may be coupled to the applicator head106. Each of the wheels 202, 204, 206 has a rim 222, 224, 226, each ofthe rims defining one of a pair of opposing surfaces in frictionalconnection. In particular, rims 222, 224 may define one pair, while rims224, 226 may define a second pair. When the torque on the shaft 216exceeds a predetermined value, the rims 222, 224 and 224, 226 may sliprelative to each other, and in this fashion limit the torque at theapplicator head 106.

FIG. 3 illustrates a second slip coupling 230 according to the presentdisclosure. The slip coupling 230 may include at least one wheel 232 andtwo shafts 234, 236. The wheel 232 is mounted on the shaft 234, whichmay be coupled to the drive 104. The wheel 232 also has a rim surface238 that abuts an outer surface 240 of the shaft 236, which may becoupled to the applicator head 106. The wheel 232 may be made of amaterial that is deformable, such that when the distance “d” between theshafts 234, 236 is selected, the surface 238 is deformed about the shaft236. The surfaces 238, 240 thus may define the pair of opposing surfacesin frictional connection. Alternatively, instead of having the surface238 abut the surface 240 of the shaft 236, a wheel may be secured to theshaft 236 with its rim surface abutting the surface 238 of the wheel232.

FIG. 4 illustrates a third slip coupling 260 according to the presentdisclosure. The slip coupling 260, similar to the slip coupling 230, mayinclude at least one wheel 262 and two shafts 264, 266. The wheel 262 ismounted on the shaft 264, which may be coupled to the drive 104. Thewheel 262 has a rim surface 268 that abuts an outer surface 270 of theshaft 266, which may be coupled to the applicator head 106. Unlike theslip coupling 230, the wheel 262 is not deformable. Instead, thedistance “v” between the shafts 264, 266 may vary. Furthermore, aresilient member 272 is coupled between the shaft 264 and ground (theinner surface of the handle 102, for example). The resilient member 272may be a spring, for example, and may bias the surface 268 against thesurface 270. As one alternative, instead of having the surface 268 abutthe surface 270 of the shaft 266, a wheel may be secured to the shaft266 with its rim surface abutting the surface 268 of the wheel 262.

FIG. 5 illustrates a fourth slip coupling 290. The slip coupling 290includes a hollow outer shaft 292 and an inner shaft 294. The outershaft 290 may be coupled to the drive 104, while the inner shaft 294 maybe coupled to the applicator head 106. The outer shaft 292 has aninwardly-facing surface 296 that may be disposed at a radial distancefrom a central axis 298 of the shaft 292. In fact, as illustrated, thesurface 296 may be defined on an inwardly-depending step 300 thatdepends from a wall 302 of the shaft 292. The inner shaft 294 has aforked end 304, with legs 306 that are disposed at an angle to a centralaxis 308 of the shaft 294. At the end of each leg 306 is a shoe 310 witha surface 312 that abuts the surface 296, thereby defining a pair ofopposing surfaces. At least the forked end 304 of the shaft 294 isformed of a resilient material, such that the shoes 310 are biased intoengagement with the step 300. According to at least one embodiment, theangle of the leg 306 relative to the central axis 308 is greater whenthe shoe 310 is not engaging the step 300, and the reduction in theangle when the shaft 294 is disposed such that the shoe is engaging thestep 300 creates a biasing force that urges the shoes 310 intoengagement with the step 300.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrated a fifth slip coupling 320. Similar to theembodiment in FIG. 5, the embodiment of FIGS. 6A-B has an outer hollowshaft 322 and an inner shaft 324. As will be recognized from FIG. 6A,the entire shaft 322 need not be hollow or tubular; only a section 326need be tubular, the remainder 328 having a narrower diameter and solidcross-section. Attached to a surface 330 of the shaft 332 is a pair ofresilient members 334, similar in shape to leaf springs. The springs 334each have a surface 336 that abuts a surface 338 of the shaft 324therebetween, as best seen in FIG. 6B. The surfaces 336, 338 define apair of opposing surfaces in frictional connection.

FIG. 7 illustrates a sixth slip coupling 360. This coupling 360 sharesfeatures in common with the fourth and fifth embodiments, in that thereis an outer hollow shaft 362 and an inner shaft 364. According to thisembodiment, the inner shaft 364 may be coupled to the applicator head106, as shown, while the outer shaft 362 may be coupled to the drive104. The outer shaft 362 has a receptacle 366 formed therein, thereceptacle 366 having a surface 368. The inner shaft 364 has an outersurface 370 that abuts the surface 368 with the shaft 364 disposed inthe receptacle 366. The relative motion between the surfaces 368, 370 iscontrolled according to the coefficients of friction, such that thesurfaces 368, 370 defined the pair of opposing surfaces in frictionalconnection.

FIG. 8 illustrates a seventh slip coupling 390. The coupling 390includes first and second shafts 392, 394. Each shaft 392, 394 includeone of a pair of mating surfaces 396, 398, the surfaces beingnon-planar. In fact, as illustrated, the first mating surface 396 isconvex, at least along a section of the surface, while the second matingsurface 398 is concave and complementary-shaped to the first matingsurface 396. Additionally, the coupling 390 includes a resilient elementor member 400, such as a spring, that biases the two shafts 392, 394towards each other, and thus that biases the two surfaces 396, 398towards each other. In a first state, the first and second surfaces 396,398 mate one inside the other. However, when a predetermined level oftorque is experienced at the applicator head 106, the surfaces 396, 398may move relative to each other, in fact causing the shaft 392 to movein an axial direction against the biasing of the resilient member 400.

FIG. 9 illustrates an eighth slip coupling 420. The coupling 420includes first and second shafts 422, 424. Similar to certain precedingembodiments, the first shaft 422 has a section 426 that is hollow, whilethe shaft 424 does not. Thus, an end 428 of the shaft 424 is receivedwithin a receptacle 430 formed in the hollow section 426 of the shaft422. The first shaft 422 also has an object 432 with a circular or ovalcross-section and a surface 434 disposed and retained at an end 436 ofthe receptacle 430. According to at least one embodiment, the object 432may be a ball bearing. Opposite the ball bearing 432 may be a layer 438of material having a surface 440 attached to the end 428 of the shaft424. The layer 438 may be non-deformable or, alternatively, may allowfor a certain degree of deformation. Accordingly, by varying the forceapplied to either or both of the shafts 422, 424, the roundness of theobject 432, and the degree of deformation of the layer 436, the size ofthe surface area in contact between the opposing surfaces 434, 440 maybe controlled.

FIG. 10 illustrates a ninth slip coupling 450. The coupling includes anouter hollow shaft 452 and an inner shaft 454. The hollow shaft 452 hasa surface 456. According to the embodiment illustrated, the surface 456has a pair of stiff detents 458 disposed on the surface 456. On theother hand, a flexible arm 460 is coupled at one point 462 to the shaft454, with ends 464 cantilevered therefrom. As illustrated, the ends 464and detents 458 may abut in at least a first state, while in a secondstate the ends 464 may move past the detents 458, at least for ahalf-revolution of relative motion between the shafts 452, 454 accordingto the torque applied to the shaft 454, for example. After thehalf-revolution, depending on the torque applied, the ends 464 may againmove past the detents 458, or the relative motion between the shafts452, 454 may stop.

A considerable number of alternative embodiments may exist to thecoupling 450. For example, it will be recognized that the detents 458could be resilient, and the arm 460 stiff. Also, a greater or lessernumber of detents 458 may be included, which may cause the relativemotion to stop once per revolution or every quarter revolution, forexample. Further, the detents 458 may be formed separately from theshaft 452 and attached to the surface 456, or formed integrally with theshaft 452 and surface 456. Additionally, rather than having an arm 460with ends 464 that may cooperate with detents 458, the arm 460 may havea single, cantilevered end 464.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a tenth embodiment of slip coupling 465including a first shaft 466, which may be coupled to the drive 102, anda second, hollow shaft 468, which may be coupled to the head 106. Thefirst shaft 466 has coupled to it one or more legs 470. As illustrated,the legs 470 are coupled at a first end 472 by a hinge 474 to the firstshaft 466, and have a second, free end 476. The legs 470 are biasedusing resilient members 478 (such as springs, for example) toward afirst state, wherein the legs 470 are substantially parallel to thefirst shaft 466. However, as the first shaft 466 rotates, the legs 470may move outward against the biasing force applied by the resilientmembers 478 to assume a second state, wherein the legs 470 are at anangle relative to the shaft 466. As illustrated in FIG. 11B, the legs470 may be substantially at right angles to shaft 466 in the secondstate.

With the legs 470 in the second state, the free ends 476 of the legs 466may abut an inner surface 482 of the shaft 468. In this fashion, africtional connection may be formed between the free ends 476 of thelegs 466 and the inner surface 482, the ends 476 and the surface 482defining a pair of opposing surfaces. As noted relative to the otherembodiments discussed in this section, when a predetermined torque isachieved at the head 106, the ends 476 and surface 482 slip past eachother to limit the torque transmitted.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a eleventh and twelfth form of slip coupling490, 510. Both of these slip couplings 490, 510 rely on relative motionof wheels and belts.

The coupling 490 includes a first wheel 492 coupled to a first shaft494, and a second wheel 496 coupled to a second shaft 498. Each of thewheels 492, 496 has a rim 500, 502 with a surface 504, 506. The surfaces504, 506 may be smooth, or the surfaces 504, 506 may be knurled orotherwise textured. A belt 508 is fitted about the wheels 492, 496, andin particular the rims 500, 502, such that a surface 509 of the beltabuts and cooperates with the surfaces 504, 506 of the wheels 492, 496.The surfaces 504, 506 and the surface 509 may be complementary to eachother, according to certain embodiments where the surfaces 504, 506 havea groove formed therein and the belt has a cross-section that iscomplementary to that groove. The tension may be maintained on the belt509 by maintaining a particular distance between the shafts 494, 498,which distance may be fixed or adjustable (for example, through the useof a resilient member to bias the shafts 494, 498 apart).

The coupling 510 also includes shafts 512, 514 coupled to wheels 516,518. The wheels have rims 520, 522 with surfaces 524, 526 that are infrictional connection with a surface 528 of a belt 530. An idler wheel534 may have a surface 536 in contact with the opposite surface 538 ofthe belt 530. The idler wheel 534 may be coupled to an arm 540 andbiased such that the surface 536 abuts the surface 538 through thefunction of the resilient member 542. The idler wheel 534 may thus beused to control the tension on the belt 530.

While it will be recognized that still other embodiments are possiblefor the slip coupling, these embodiments are included as exemplary formsof this coupling.

Magnetic Coupling as Torque Limiter

FIGS. 14-18 illustrate a variety of torque limiters 108 in the form ofmagnetic couplings. In general terms, the shafts coupled to the drive104 and applicator head 106 are coupled together, at least in part, bythe magnetic force between two objects—such as between two magnets, orbetween a magnet and a material having a medium or higher magneticpermeability, such as iron. When a certain torque is realized at theapplicator head 106, for example, through one or more lashes becomingbound or enmeshed in the applicator head 106, the magnetic couplingdecouples, in whole or in part, to limit the torque applied to thelashes. As will be noted below, the magnetic coupling may be combinedwith a slip coupling.

At the outset, it should be noted that the magnet or magnets used in theembodiments of magnetic coupling described herein may be of that varietythat is commonly termed “permanent” magnets, although the strength ofthe magnet may vary with time. Alternatively, the magnet may be anelectromagnet, where the magnetic field is generated by running currentthrough a wire, for example. Such an electromagnet may be used, forexample, where a battery is provided to power the drive 104 of theapplicator 100. One or both of the magnets may be permanent magnet orelectromagnets.

A first embodiment of magnetic coupling 600 is illustrated in FIG. 14.According to this embodiment, a first magnet 602 may be coupled to afirst shaft 604, which in turn may be coupled to the drive 104. Theshaft 604 may have a receptacle 606 formed therein to accept an end 608of a second shaft 610, which in turn may be coupled to the applicatorhead. A second magnet 612 (or a material having a medium to highmagnetic permeability) may be coupled to the end 608 of the second shaft614. The first and second shafts 604, 610 may be supported in such afashion that a gap 616 is maintained between the two magnets 602, 612.The magnets 602, 612 are aligned with the axes of the respective shafts604, 610. According to such an embodiment, the coupling formed isprimarily (if not exclusively) magnetic.

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate a second embodiment of a magnetic coupling630, which is similar to the first coupling 600 in several regards, thedifferences best view relative to FIG. 14B. According to thisembodiment, a first magnet 632 is coupled to a first shaft 634, and asecond magnet 636 is coupled to a second shaft 638. Additionally, a gap640 is maintained between opposing surfaces of the first and secondmagnets 632, 636. However, unlike the coupling 600, the first and secondmagnets 632, 636 are not aligned along an axis 642 of shafts 634, 638.Instead, as best seen in FIG. 14A, in a first, coupled state, themagnets 632, 636 are aligned at an offset position relative to thecommon axis 642. As a consequence, when a sufficient relative torque isapplied to decouple the magnetic coupling 630, the magnets 632, 638 arespaced from each other (see dashed lines, for example) along axes thatare parallel to each other.

FIG. 16 is a third embodiment of a magnetic coupling 660, which issimilar to the embodiment of FIG. 14 in that it has first and secondmagnets 662, 664 coupled to separate shafts 668, 670, thereby defining amagnetic coupling. However, according to this embodiment, a force isapplied to one or both of the shafts 668, 670 to bias the ends 672, 674of the shafts 668, 670 towards each other to abut one with the other,thereby removing any gap therebetween. With the ends 672, 674 incontact, a frictional connection is defined, as well as the magneticcoupling 660. This embodiment thus represents one possible combinationof slip and magnetic couplings.

FIGS. 17 and 18 represent variations on the structure of FIG. 16.According to coupling 690 of FIG. 17, at least one of the opposingsurfaces may include a coating 692 applied thereto to alter at least oneof a static coefficient of friction or a kinetic coefficient offriction. According to coupling 720 of FIG. 18, a spacer 722 is disposedbetween the ends 724, 726, the spacer 722 comprising first and secondlayers 728, 730 that may move relative to each other, the layers 728,730 having opposing surfaces frictional connected to each other. Itshould also be noted that the area in contact for frictional connectionmay specifically be controlled in a fashion such as illustrated in FIG.9 above.

While it will be recognized that still other embodiments are possiblefor the magnetic coupling, these embodiments are included as exemplaryforms of this coupling.

Fluidic or Viscous Coupling as Torque Limiter

FIGS. 19-21 illustrate a variety of torque limiters 108 in the form offluidic or viscous couplings. In general terms, the first and secondshafts, which may be coupled to the drive and applicator head, forexample, may be coupled through the use of a gaseous, liquid, semi-solidor even solid substance that has fluid or fluid-like characteristics.

A variety of materials may be used in the fluidic or viscous couplingaccording to the present disclosure. As noted above, gases, such as air,or liquids, such as water or oil, may be used. Alternatively, asemi-solid material, such as a gel, may be used. Moreover, a solidmaterial may be dispersed in a liquid and used in embodiments of thepresent disclosure. For that matter, a solid material may exhibitfluid-like characteristics, so as to be useful in a fluidic or viscouscoupling according to the present disclosure. For example, it isbelieved that microbeads of a solid material may exhibit sufficientfluid-like characteristics so as to be useful in the fluidic or viscouscouplings according to the present disclosure. As one example, ceramicbeads may be used where the mass of the bead does not greatly contributeto the interbead effects.

According to certain embodiments, a finned device, such as a propeller,impeller, or pump, may be used in the coupling. According to otherembodiments, the viscous substance alone provides the coupling betweenthe shafts.

FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate a first embodiment of a viscous coupling800. The coupling 800 includes a first finned device 802 coupled to afirst shaft 804 and a second finned device 806 coupled to a second shaft808. The first shaft 804 may be coupled to the drive 104, while thesecond shaft may be coupled to the applicator head 106. According tothis embodiment, the finned device 802 draws in air from outside thedrive, which air enters the second finned device 906, causing the secondfinned device 806 to turn shaft 808.

FIG. 20 illustrates a second embodiment of a viscous coupling 830. Likethe coupling 800, the coupling 830 includes a first finned device 832coupled to a first 834, and a second finned device 836 coupled to asecond shaft 838. However, unlike the coupling 800, which drew itsworking fluid (air) from the surrounding environment, the first andsecond finned devices 832, 836 depend through ends of a housing or tank840 that contains the working fluid 842 disposed in the tank 840. Thefirst finned device 832 causes motion in the fluid 842, which motioncauses the second finned device 834 to move.

FIG. 21 illustrates a third embodiment of a viscous coupling 860. Thecoupling 860 is unlike the couplings 800, 830 in that the coupling 860does not include finned devices. Instead, a first shaft 862 includes areceptacle 864 formed in its end 866. An end 868 of a second shaft 870is disposed within the receptacle 864. The shafts 862, 870 are supportedsuch that surfaces 872, 874 of the respective shafts 862, 870 are spacedto define a gap 876 therebetween. A working fluid 878 is disposed in thegap 876. A seal 880 may be disposed, in whole or in part, on one of theshafts 862, 870 to maintain the fluid 878 within the gap 876.

While it will be recognized that still other embodiments are possiblefor the fluidic or viscous coupling, these embodiments are included asexemplary forms of this coupling.

Alternative Torque Limiters

FIGS. 22-27 illustrate a variety of alternative torque limiters. Theselimiters may function by decoupling the motor or transmission (if oneexists), or converting the torque to another use. These embodiments arenot intended to be exemplary of all of the remaining alternativeembodiments for carrying out the present disclosure, but merely documentadditional methods and structures for doing so.

FIG. 22 illustrates a first embodiment of an alternative torque limiterwherein the applicator 900 includes, for example, a drive 902 with anelectric motor 904 and a battery 906, and an applicator head 908. Themotor 904 has a shaft 910 that is coupled to the head 908 via anoptional transmission 912. The motor 904 is coupled to the battery 906via a switch 914, that may be manipulated (depressed, flipped, etc.) toclose the electrical circuit including the motor 904 and the battery906. According to the present embodiment, the torque limiter may includea current sensor 918 that is coupled to the electrical circuit includingthe motor 904 and the battery 906, and a drive circuit 920 that iscoupled to the current sensor 918 and is also coupled either to theelectrical circuit including the motor 904 or is coupled directly to themotor 904. In response to torque demands at the head 908, the current ofthe electrical circuit may rise. The increase in electrical current maybe sensed by the current sensor 918, which provides a signal to thedrive circuit 920. The drive circuit 920 is then activated to decouplethe motor 904 from the battery 906, or to deactivate the motor 904.Alternatively, where the motor 904 is reversible, the drive circuit 920may even reverse the direction of the rotational motion of the motor 904in response to an increase in current indicative of an increase intorque achieved by the head 908.

The decoupling or deactivation may be maintained, for example, for apredetermined amount of time, so as to permit the user an opportunity tomanipulate the switch and open the electrical circuit. Alternatively,the decoupling or deactivation may be maintained until the switch ismanipulated and the circuit is opened at the switch, thereby permittingthe user an opportunity to manipulate the applicator 900 to unbind thelashes without having to remember to manipulate the switch first. Inother embodiments, an action beyond that required to open the circuit(i.e., depress the on/off switch) may be required to reset the drivecircuit 920 and permit operation of the applicator 900.

Similarly, reversal may be maintained for a predetermined amount oftime, and then the motor 904 may be decoupled or deactivated.Alternatively, reversal may be maintained through a predetermined angle,at which point the motor 904 may be decoupled or deactivated. As afurther alternative, the speed of reversal may be different than thespeed in the forward direction, such that reversal may not be halteduntil the user manipulates the switch 914, but the difference in speedsmay permit the user a greater time window to manipulate the switch 914with the motor 904 in reverse.

FIGS. 23A and 23B illustrates a second embodiment of torque limiterwherein the applicator 925 includes, for example, a drive 926 with anelectric motor 928 and a battery 930, and an applicator head 932. Thedrive 926 may also include a transmission 934 coupled between the motor928 and the applicator head 932, although the transmission 934 isconsidered optional. The motor 928 is supported in a housing 936 throughthe use of resilient motor mounts 938, which represent, at least inpart, the torque limiter. The resilient motor mounts 938 permit themotor 928 to be selectively coupled to the battery 930 by permitting themotor 928 to move about an axis 940, as represented by the double-headedarrow “A” in FIG. 23B. As seen in FIG. 23A, the motor 928 has contacts942, which contacts 942 are coupled to (and, for example, aligned with)contacts 944 coupled to the battery 930. If sufficient torque isapplied, the motor 928 may move to a different angular positionsrelative to the battery 930, such that the contacts 942 are no longercoupled to (and, for example, aligned with) the contacts 944. In thisfashion, the motor 928 is decoupled from the battery 930, and the motor928 ceases to function.

FIG. 24 illustrates a third embodiment wherein the applicator 950includes a drive 952, which may include a motor 954 and a transmission956. The motor 954 may be an electric motor coupled to a battery 958,although this detail is not necessary to the operation of the torqueconverter according to this embodiment. Instead, the transmission 956may include a gear train having at least a first gear 960. Either thegear train 956 or the motor 954 may be supported to a housing 962 of theapplicator 950 through resilient mounts 964. According to theillustrated embodiment, the motor 954 is supported by resilient mounts964, such that the motion of the motor may be similar to thatillustrated in FIG. 23A. However, rather than the motor 954 decouplingfrom the battery 958 when the motor 954 moves from a first to a secondangular position, the gear 960 of the gear train 956 abuts a jamb switch966. With the jamb switch 966 abutting at least the gear 960 (perhaps,lodged between the teeth of the gear 960), the motion of the gear train956 is limited.

FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate a further embodiment of torque limiterwherein the applicator 975 includes, for example, a drive 976 with anelectric motor 978 and a battery 980, and an applicator head 982. Boththe drive 976 and the applicator head 982 are coupled to a sleeve 984that is mounted for rotation about and translation along a shaft 986that is fixed coupled to the handle 988 at a first end 990. The drive976 may also include a weight 992 that is coupled to a shaft of themotor (not shown) and that the motor 978 causes to rotate about an axiscommon to the motor shaft and the weight 992. The drive 976 may alsoinclude a counterweight 996 that is coupled to the sleeve 984 oppositethe motor 978 and weight 992.

Further, the drive 976 also includes contacts 996 coupled to the sleeve984 and contacts 998 coupled to a switch 1000. With the drive 976 in afirst, operative state, as is illustrates in FIG. 25A, the contacts 996and the contacts 998 may be coupled together, permitting the electricalcircuit including the motor 978, the battery 980 and the switch 1000 tobe closed when the switch 1000 is closed. In this first, operativestate, rotation of the motor shaft causes rotation of the weight 992.The rotation of the weight 992 about its axis causes a gyroscopiceffect, that causes the sleeve 984 to rotate about the inner shaft 986,which motion is transmitted to the applicator head 982 that is alsocoupled to the sleeve 984. However, in a second operative state, whenthe torque applied via the head 982 exceeds a threshold amount, thefurther rotation of the weight 992 causes a further gyroscopic effect,that advances the sleeve 984 along the inner shaft 986. The translationof the sleeve 984 causes the contacts 996, 998 to decouple, therebyopening the electrical circuit, and deactivating the motor 978.According to the type of motor 978 used, the weight 992 may continue tomove even after the contacts 996, 998 are decoupled to ensure that thecontacts 996, 998 are spaced, and do not come back into contact with asudden shifting of the orientation of the handle 988.

FIG. 26 illustrates yet another embodiment wherein the torque limiter1005 includes a shaft 1006 coupled to the drive 102 and a shaft 1008coupled to the applicator head 106. An end 1010 of the shaft 1006 and anend 1012 of the shaft 1008 are coupled to opposite ends 1014, 1016 of aresilient member 1018, which may be spring or rubber band. Rather thanpassing torque between the shafts 1006, 1008, the resilient member 1018may deform, the stiffness of the resilient member 1018 selected in sucha manner to limit the torque experienced by an eyelash enmeshed in theapplicator head, for example.

FIG. 27 illustrates another embodiment of torque limiter 1020 includinga shaft 1022 having a first portion 1024, which may be coupled to thedrive 102, and a second portion 1026, which may be coupled to the head106. The first portion 1024 and the second portion 1026 of the shaft1022 may be joined by a destructable region 1028. The destructableregion 1028 may be defined, for example, by a region having a lesserdiameter than that of the first and second portions 1024, 1026. Thedestructable region 1028 may fail when a torque is achieved at the head106 that exceeds a predetermined threshold value. In this fashion, thedrive 104 may be decoupled from the head 106. It will be recognized thatsuch an embodiment, because of its destructive failure, may beparticularly well suited for use with those embodiments of theapplicator 100 that use replaceable subassemblies, such as a replaceablehead 106 and stem. It will also be recognized that, according to otherembodiments, a destructable protrusion or detachable protrusion may beused in place of the destructable shaft.

Other Aspects of the Applicator

The disclosure now will discuss several embodiments of the aspects ofthe applicator other than the torque limiter 108, such as the applicatorhead 106, the drive 102, and so on. It will be recognized that not allembodiments disclosed below may be used with every embodiment of torquelimiter 108 discussed above. However, combinations of the variousembodiments below with the torque limiters 108 discussed above will berecognized. In this regard, the disclosure of U.S. application Ser. No.11/143,829 is hereby incorporated herein by reference as to potentialvariations on the applicator described herein.

First, various embodiments of the applicator head 106 will be discussedrelative to FIGS. 28-51.

The applicator head 106 may include one or more elements projecting fromthe stem for separating and applying cosmetic to keratinous fibers, suchas eyelashes. While the applicator element may be provided as aconventional twisted wire brush, the applicator element may instead bein the form of molded protrusions. While protrusions typically extendoutwardly away from the base surface, they may also be inverted toproject inwardly to form a recess.

According to one embodiment, the molded protrusions are formed aselongate fingers having a base end coupled to the stem and an oppositefree end. According to certain embodiments, the cross-sectional area ofeach finger gradually narrows from the base end to the free end, andeach finger is oriented to extend substantially perpendicular withrespect to an axis of the stem. It will be appreciated that the fingersmay diverge from the base so that the tip is larger, or the fingers maynot taper at all but instead have substantially consistent dimensions.Furthermore, the fingers may extend at oblique angles with respect tothe stem axis.

The fingers are spaced along the stem and have a free end sized suchthat each finger may penetrate between adjacent keratinous fibers. Thespacing allows the fingers to be inserted between fibers even as theapplicator head 106 is rotated, thereby maximizing the fiber surfacearea engaged by each finger and promoting separation of adjacent fibers.The protrusions should be spaced far enough to allow eyelashes topenetrate between adjacent protrusions yet close enough to separateadjacent eyelashes. Accordingly, the gap between adjacent protrusionsmay be approximately 0.2 to 3.0 mm.

While in certain embodiments each of the protrusions extends from alocalized area of the stem circumference, other areas of engagementbetween the stem and the protrusions may be used. As illustrated in FIG.28A-E, for example, each protrusion 1030 may be substantiallydisc-shaped and have a base end with a substantially annular shape, witha recess or gap 1044 therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, thebase end preferably engages no more than one complete circumference ofthe stem surface to minimize snagging of the eyelashes as theprotrusions 1030 rotate. Other disc shapes traversing more than onecomplete circumference of the stem may also be used. For example, anelongate stem having a rectangular cross-section may be twisted so thatthe corners of the stem form localized extensions while the faces ofeach side of the stem form recesses or gaps between adjacent corners.Protrusions are attached to the surface of the stem to define anirregular or non-uniform applicator head profile generally matching theshape of the stem. The protrusions may have a length that is 10% to 400%of the length of the stem extensions.

While the disc-shaped protrusion 1030 is illustrated in FIG. 28A as asingle molded member, it will be appreciate that the protrusion 1030 maybe formed of a plurality of members such as bristles that are arrangedin the disc-shaped pattern. The protrusions 1030 may extendsubstantially perpendicular to the stem axis 1032 to form straight rowsof protrusions, similar to that shown in FIG. 28A. Alternatively, all orsome of the protrusions 1030 may be oriented at a same oblique anglewith respect to the stem axis 1032 to form diagonal rows as illustratedin FIG. 28B, or may include a first set of protrusions 1034 oriented ata first oblique angle and a second set of protrusions 1036 oriented at asecond oblique angle different from the first angle to form reversediagonal rows, as illustrated in FIG. 28C. Each protrusion 1030 mayinclude a first protrusion segment 1038 extending at a first obliqueangle and a second protrusion segment 1040 extending at a second obliqueangle so that the first protrusion segment intersects the secondprotrusion segment 1040 to form cross-diagonal rows, as illustrated inFIG. 28D. In addition to the first and second protrusion segments 1038,1040, each protrusion 1030 may include a third protrusion segment 1042extending substantially perpendicular to the stem axis 1032 to formcombination rows, as illustrated in FIG. 28E. In each of the forgoingembodiments, a circumferential gap 1044 is provided between adjacentprotrusions 1030 to allow insertion of the protrusions between adjacentkeratinous fibers. Each gap is preferably approximately 0.2 to 3.0 mm toprovide sufficient space for an eyelash to penetrate between adjacentprotrusions while providing at least some level of eyelash separation.

The cross-sectional shape of the protrusions 1030 may be varied withoutdeparting from the scope of this disclosure. As illustrated in FIGS.28A-E, the protrusions are provided as fingers having substantiallycircular cross-sectional shapes. The protrusions may have various typesof cross-sectional shapes in additional to circular, such as any one ofthe shapes shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 29A-V, for example a circularshape with a flat as shown in FIG. 29A, a flat shape as shown in FIG.29B, a star shape, e.g. in the form of a cross as shown in FIG. 29C, orhaving three branches as shown in FIG. 29D, a U-shape as shown in FIG.29E, an H-shape as shown in FIG. 29F, a T-shape as shown in FIG. 29G, aV-shape as shown in FIG. 29H, a hollow shape, e.g. a circular shape asshown in FIG. 29I, or a polygonal shape in particular a square shape asshown in FIG. 29J, a shape that presents ramifications, e.g. a snowflakeshape as shown in FIG. 29K, a polygonal shape, e.g. a triangular shapeas shown in FIG. 29L, a square shape as shown in FIG. 29M, or ahexagonal shape as shown in FIG. 29N, an oblong shape, in particular alens shape as shown in FIG. 29O, or an hourglass shape as shown in FIG.29P. It is also possible to use protrusions having portions which arehinged relative to one another as shown in FIG. 29Q.

The ends of the protrusions may be formed with various shapes or includevarious structures. Where appropriate, the protrusions may be subjectedto treatment for forming respective end balls 1050 as shown in FIG. 29R,end forks 1051 as shown in FIG. 29S, or tapering tips as shown in FIG.29T. The protrusions may also be flocked as shown in FIG. 29U or made byextruding a plastic material containing a filler of particles 1052 so asto impart micro-relief to the surface of the bristles as shown in FIG.29V or so as to confer magnetic or other properties thereon.

The protrusions may have an exterior surface particularly adapted totransfer cosmetic material from a base of the protrusion to a free end.For example, each protrusion may include an exterior coating having alow surface energy to more readily transfer product to the lashes. Thecoating may be particularly suited for use with cosmetic material, suchas the mascara materials noted above in the background.

In addition to the elongate profile, at least some of the protrusionsmay be somewhat shorter, such as protruding discs 1056, dimples, orridges 1058 extending from an exterior surface of the stem, asillustrated in FIGS. 30A and 30B. Still further, protrusions having abroad range of flexibility or stiffness may be used.

The applicator head 106 may include a variety of protrusions havingdifferent shapes or displaying different properties. For example, theapplicator head 106 may include a first set of protrusions having afirst cross-sectional shape and a second set of protrusions having asecond cross-sectional shape. Also, the first set of protrusions 1030 amay have a first stiffness while the second set of protrusions 1030 bhas a second, different stiffness. By using protrusions of varyingstiffness, rotation of the applicator head will cause the more flexibleprotrusions to deflect to a greater degree than the stiffer protrusions,as illustrated in FIGS. 31A-31C.

The stem also may have one of a variety of cross-sectional shapes, asillustrated in FIGS. 32A-32K. The stem may have a uniform, circularcross-section or a non-circular shape such as the polygonal, e.g.triangular section shown in FIG. 32A. As further examples, the stem mayhave a square cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 32B, a pentagonalshape as shown in FIG. 32C, a hexagonal shape as shown in FIG. 32D, oran oval shape as shown in FIG. 32E. The stem may have at least one notcharea 1060, which may be outwardly concave as shown in FIGS. 32F and 32G,wherein the notch presents a cross-section that is constant orotherwise. The notch 1060 may be made in a circular cross-sectionalshape as shown in FIG. 32F, or a non-circular cross sectional shape,e.g., triangular section, as shown in FIG. 32G. In the triangular case(FIG. 32G), the notch may constitute an entire side of the triangle asshown, in which case the applicator presents a facet that is concave.The stem shape may include a plane facet 1061, as illustrated in FIG.32H. The profile may alternatively include at least one indentation1062, such as the three indentations shown in FIG. 32I. A stem shapehaving two indentations 1062 is shown in FIG. 32J, while a stem shapewith one indentation 1062 is shown in FIG. 32K. The applicator head 106may define a cross-sectional profile that is constant or otherwise, andits core may be rectilinear or otherwise. The stem may be centered oroff-center relative to the outline of the cross-sectional profile, asshown in FIG. 32L.

The protrusions may have a variety of lengths so as to define a varietyof applicator head profiles. For example, the protrusions may be ofuniform length to define a circular applicator head profile 1064, asshown in FIG. 33A. The protrusions may be closely spaced as shown inFIG. 33A, intermediately spaced as shown in FIG. 33B, or remotely spacedas shown in FIG. 33C. Additionally, each protrusion may have arelatively longer length as shown in FIG. 33A or a relatively shorterlength as shown in FIG. 33D.

Alternatively, the shape of the stem and/or the length and spacing ofthe protrusions may be varied to define a non-circular applicator headprofile. For example, the length of the protrusions may alternatebetween short and long lengths around the circumference of the stem todefine a cross-sectional applicator head profile 1066 having recesses,as shown in FIG. 33E. One half of the applicator may include moreclosely spaced protrusions while the other half of the applicator mayhave farther spaced protrusions to provide an applicator head havingsections of varying density, as illustrated in FIG. 33F. The applicatorhead may include protrusions of several different lengths to define anirregular applicator head profile as shown in FIGS. 33G and 33H. Otherpossible embodiments include one half of the applicator having shorterprotrusions while the other half of the applicator head 106 havinglonger protrusions, as shown in FIG. 33I; one quadrant of the applicatorhead 106 having longer protrusions while the remaining three quadrantsof the applicator head have shorter protrusions as shown in FIG. 33J;opposing sections of longer and shorter protrusions as shown in FIG.33K; one half of the applicator head 106 having densely spacedprotrusions while the other half includes a single protrusion as shownin FIG. 33L; and one half of the applicator including a plurality ofdensely spaced protrusions while the other half includes a pair ofprotrusions as shown in FIG. 33M.

In addition to varying the circumferential spacing of the protrusions,the axial spacing of the protrusions along the applicator head 106 mayalso be varied. FIGS. 34A-D illustrate four quadrants of an applicatorhead 106 having protrusions 1030 that are substantially uniformly spacedin the axial direction, indicated by arrow 1070. The pattern ofprotrusions is uniform to create alternating or staggered rows ofprotrusions lying in a plane extending substantially perpendicular tothe stem axis 1032. FIGS. 35A-D illustrate four quadrants of anapplicator head 106 having uniformly spaced protrusions lying in a planeextending at an oblique angle with respect to the stem axis 1032. FIGS.36A-D illustrate four quadrants of an applicator head 106 havingnon-uniformly spaced protrusions forming a repeating pattern havingareas of closer spaced protrusions and areas of farther spacedprotrusions. FIGS. 37A-D illustrate four quadrants of an applicator head106 having uniformly spaced protrusions forming aligned rows ofprotrusions lying in a plane extending substantially perpendicular tothe stem axis 1032. FIGS. 38A-D illustrate four quadrants of anapplicator head in which each quadrant has a different pattern ofprotrusions.

The applicator head 106 may include patterns of protrusions havingdifferent lengths. As shown in FIGS. 39A-D, four quadrants of anapplicator head are shown having uniformly spaced protrusions. Thepattern includes shorter protrusions 1072 (illustrated in a lightertone) and longer protrusions 1074 (illustrated in a darker tone). Theshorter protrusions may be upright to project outwardly from the stemsurface, or may be inverted to extend into the stem, and therefore maybe 0-400% shorter than the longer protrusions. The shorter protrusions1072 form a V-shaped pattern extending through a rectangular field oflonger protrusions 1074. FIGS. 40A-D illustrate four quadrants of anapplicator head in which the shorter protrusions 1072 form a gridpattern while the longer protrusions 1074 form a repeating squarepattern inside each grid.

The applicator may include visible indicia to identify portions of theapplicator having different characteristics. An asymmetrical applicatorhead, for example, may include a first area having protrusions with afirst characteristic and a second area having protrusions with a secondcharacteristic. The applicator head may have a first visible indicia,such as color, texture, text, or other visually discernable quality, toidentify the first area and a second visible indicia to identify thesecond area. The different visible indicia communicate to a user thatthe different areas have protrusions with different characteristics,such as relative flexibilities, lengths, or motions. The visible indiciamay be provided as different colors in the first and second areas. Forexample, the protrusion tip, entire protrusion body, or applicator headsurface including protrusions associated with the first area may have afirst color, while similar structure in the second area has a secondcolor. Similarly, the first area may have a first color scheme, such asan applicator head surface with a first color and protrusions orportions thereof with a second color, while the second area has a secondcolor scheme, such as an applicator head surface with a third color andprotrusions or portions thereof with a fourth color.

Having discussed various embodiments of the applicator head, thedisclosure now references several embodiments of the drive 104.

As noted above, according to certain embodiments of the motor, the speedmay vary. FIGS. 41 and 42 illustrate speed varying with angle position(although the variations could have alternatively been plotted relativeto time, for example). A drive circuit may be provided, as indicatedabove, for producing more complex movements of the applicator head 106.For example, the drive circuit may provide a dynamic speed signal to themotor 120 to automatically adjust the rotational speed of the applicatorhead 106. The dynamic signal may generate a generally repeating speedpattern, such as a varying speed according to the degrees of shaftrotation, as illustrated by the graphs shown in FIGS. 41 and 42. In FIG.41, the graph illustrates a gradually, generally sinusoidal speedfluctuation according to shaft rotation. In contrast, the graph in FIG.42 illustrates an abrupt, step change in speed according to shaftrotation.

As also noted above, a variety of different drives exist for generatinga rotational motion component. For example, an applicator 1130 isillustrated in FIGS. 43A-E in which motor rotation in a single directionis converted into a rotating oscillation motion. The applicator 1130includes a handle 1132 and an applicator head 1134 with applicatorelements 1136. The applicator also includes a drive 1139. The drive 1139includes a drive motor 1138 and a battery 1140, the motor 1138 andbattery 1140 being operatively coupled together and disposed inside thehandle 132. The motor 1138 has a motor shaft 1142 that is mechanicallycoupled to the applicator head 1134 by a transmission 1144.

More specifically, the transmission 1144 includes a motor disc 1146coupled to the rotating motor shaft 1142. As best seen in FIGS. 43B-E,the motor disc 1146 includes a pin 1148 sized for insertion into a slot1150 formed in a connecting rod 1152. The connecting rod 1152 ispivotally coupled to a first end of an idler rod 1154. A second end ofthe idler rod 1154 is fixed to the applicator head 1134, so that theidler rod 1154 and applicator head 1134 rotate together. A spring 1156extends between the handle 1132 and the idler rod 1154 to bias the idlerrod 1154 in a first direction.

In operation, the pin 1148 may first be positioned adjacent a lower endof the slot 1150 as shown in FIG. 43B. As the motor disc 1146 rotatesclockwise, the pin 1148 moves from the lower end to the upper end of theslot 1150, as shown in FIG. 43C. As the pin 1148 continues to rotateupwardly, the connecting rod 1152 and idler rod 1154 are pulled in avertically upward direction illustrated in FIG. 43D, thereby causing acounter-clockwise rotation of the stem 1134. From the position shown inFIG. 43D, further rotation of the motor disc 1146 moves the pin 1148downwardly to slide from the upper end to the lower end of the slot1150, as shown in FIG. 43E. Further rotation of the motor disc 1146drives the connecting rod 1152 and idler rod 1154 downwardly back to theposition shown in FIG. 43B, thereby to rotate the stem 1134 in aclockwise direction. Accordingly, the transmission coupling 1144converts uni-directional rotation of the motor shaft 1142 into arotating oscillation of the stem 1134.

Another exemplary embodiment of an applicator 1160 with a rotationalmovement is illustrated in FIGS. 44A-C. The applicator 1160 includes ahandle 1164 and an applicator head 1166 with applicator elements 1162. Adrive 1167 includes an electrical coil actuator 1168 and battery 1170,both disposed in the handle 1164 and operatively coupled together. Thecoil actuator 1168 reciprocates a drive shaft 1172 along an axis of theshaft 1172. The drive shaft 1172 is pivotally coupled to a first end ofan idler shaft 1174. A second end of the idler shaft 1174 is fixed toand rotates with the applicator head 1166. In operation, the actuator1168 reciprocates the drive shaft 1172 between extended and retractedpositions, illustrated in FIGS. 44B and 44C, respectively. As the driveshaft 1172 moves from the extended position to the retracted position,the idler shaft 1174 and attached stem 1166 are rotated in a clockwisedirection. When the drive shaft 1172 moves in the reverse direction fromthe retracted position to the extended position, the idler shaft 1174and applicator head 1166 are rotated in the counter-clockwise direction.The speed of rotation and time periods during which the applicator head1166 is rotated in the forward and reverse directions may be determinedby the coil actuator 1168, the battery 1170, and/or a controller (notshown).

Another further exemplary embodiment of an applicator 1180 isillustrated in FIGS. 45A-D. The applicator 1180 includes a handle 1182and a applicator head 1184 with applicator elements 186. As shown inFIG. 45A, a drive 1187 includes a motor 1188 having a rotating motorshaft 1190 is disposed in an oversized cavity 1192 formed in the handle1182 and biased toward a downward position by a spring 1194. Atransmission 1196 is provided to operably couple the motor shaft 1190 tothe applicator head 1184. The transmission 1194 includes a motor disc1198 having an oblong shape defining a cam surface 1199, as best shownin FIG. 45B, and engages a fixed surface 1200 in the handle 1182 toprovide a cam action as the motor disc 1198 rotates. The motor disc 1198frictionally engages a applicator head disc 1202 attached to theapplicator head 1184. In operation, the motor 1188 rotates the motordisc 1190 which drives the applicator head disc 1202. As the motor disc1198 rotates, the motor 1188 is driven up and down by the cam action ofthe motor disc 1198 against the fixed surface 1200. The center ofrotation of the motor disc 1198 therefore moves above and below theelevation of the applicator head disc 1202. When the center of motordisc rotation is above the elevation of the applicator head disc 1202 asshown in FIG. 45D, the applicator head 1184 is rotated in a clockwisedirection. Conversely, when the center of motor disc rotation is belowthe elevation of the applicator head disc 1202 as shown in FIG. 45C, theapplicator head 1184 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction. Itwill be appreciated that as the center of motor disc rotation movesfarther away from the elevation of the applicator head disc 1202, theapplicator head disc is rotated at a faster speed. Accordingly, thetransmission coupling 1196 converts a uni-directional motor rotationinto a rotating oscillation of the applicator head in which the speed ofrotation varies in both the forward and reverse rotation directions.

It will be recognized that the applicator 100 may include a drive 102that moves the applicator head 106 not only in a rotational motion, butan axial motion as well. An exemplary embodiment of an applicator 1230capable of producing a composite motion including both rotational andaxial oscillation is illustrated in FIGS. 46A and 46B. The applicator1230 includes a handle 1232 and an applicator head 1234 with applicatorelements 1236. The applicator 1230 also includes a drive 1237, with acoil actuator 1238 disposed in the handle 1232 and a drive shaft 1240. Atransmission 1242 is provided for operably connecting the applicatorhead 1234 to the drive shaft 1240. Specifically, the transmission 1242includes a applicator head extension 1244 connected to the drive shaft1240 by a flexible coupling 1246, which allows rotation of theapplicator head extension 1244 with respect to the drive shaft 1240. Theapplicator head extension 1244 includes a spiral groove 1248 sized toreceive projections 1250 coupled to the handle 1232.

In operation, the coil actuator 1238 reciprocates the drive shaft 1240along a vertical direction between retracted and extended positions,illustrated in FIGS. 46A and 46B, respectively. As the drive shaft 1240moves from the retracted to the extended position, the applicator headextension 1244 is driven downwardly. The groove is forced along theprojections 1250 to cause the applicator head to rotate in a clockwisedirection when viewed from above. When the drive shaft 1240 travels inthe upward direction, the applicator head extension 1244 and applicatorhead 1234 are rotated in a counter-clockwise direction as the applicatorhead 1234 travels vertically upward. Accordingly, the transmissioncoupling 1242 simultaneously generates rotating and axial oscillation ofthe applicator head 1234. It should be noted that, for any embodimentproducing an axial movement of the applicator head, similar grooves andprojections may be provided to rotate the head as it is driven axiallywith respect to the handle.

Furthermore, the rotational motion of the applicator head 106 may becombined with axial or vibrational motion. For example, an exemplaryembodiment of an applicator 1310 for producing rotational and axial orvibrational motion of the applicator head 106 is illustrated in FIGS.47A-C. The applicator 1310 includes a handle 1312 and an applicator head1314 with applicator elements 1316. The applicator 1310 includes a drive1315, with a motor 1317 that is disposed in the handle 1312 and capableof rotating a motor shaft 1318 in at least one direction. A battery 1320is also disposed in the handle 1312 and is operatively coupled to themotor 1317. A transmission 1322 is provided for operatively connectingthe motor shaft 1318 to the applicator head 1314. The transmission 1322includes a motor disc 1324 coupled to the motor shaft 1318. The motordisc 1324 frictionally engages a applicator head disc 1326 coupled tothe applicator head 1314. A cam follower 1328 is coupled to theapplicator head disc 1326 and shaped to engage a cam driver surface 1330coupled to the handle 1312. A spring 1332 extends between the handle1312 and the applicator head disc 1326 to bias the applicator head 1314toward an upper position.

In operation, rotation of the motor disc 1324 rotates the applicatorhead disc 1326. As the applicator head disc 1326 rotates, the camfollower 1328 slides along the cam driver surface 1330 to simultaneouslypush the applicator head disc 1326 downwardly against the force of thespring 1332. As a result, the elevation of the applicator head disc 1326moves above and below a center of rotation of the motor disc 1324 as itrotates. When the center of motor disc rotation is above the elevationof the applicator head disc 1326 as shown in FIG. 47B, the applicatorhead 1314 is rotated in a clockwise direction. Conversely, when thecenter of motor disc rotation is below the elevation of the applicatorhead disc 1326 as shown in FIG. 47C, the applicator head 1314 is rotatedin a counter-clockwise direction. It will be appreciated that as thecenter of motor disc rotation moves farther away from the elevation ofthe applicator head disc 1326, the applicator head disc is rotated at afaster speed. Accordingly, the transmission coupling 1322 converts auni-directional motor rotation into a rotating oscillation and an axialmovement of the applicator head, in which the speed of rotation variesin both the forward and reverse rotation directions. The axial movementmay be either an axial oscillation or a vibration of the applicatorhead.

An applicator 1420 capable of producing a composite vibrational androtational motion is illustrated at FIG. 48. The applicator 1420includes a handle 1422 with a drive 1423 disposed therein. The drive1423 includes a motor 1424 coupled to the handle 1422 through anisolation spring 1426. The motor has a motor shaft 1428 with a weight1430 mounted eccentrically with respect to an axis of the motor shaft. Aswitch 1432 and battery 1434 are operatively coupled to the motor 1424.A boss 1436, which may have a generally cylindrical or frusto-conicalshape, is also coupled to the handle 1422. A applicator head 1438includes a applicator head extension 1440 defining a socket 1442 sizedto rotatably engage the boss 1436. The applicator head 1438 also carriesan applicator head 1444.

In operation, the rotating eccentric weight 1430 generates a vibratoryforce that is substantially isolated from the handle 1422 by the spring1426. The force is transferred via the boss 1436 to the applicator head1438, which causes the applicator head to rotate. In this embodiment,where the motor shaft 1428 is substantially parallel to the applicatorhead axis, rotation of the motor shaft 1428 in one direction causesrotation of the applicator head 1438 in the opposite direction. Thedirection of motor shaft rotation may be reversed by switching thepolarity of the battery 1434. Accordingly, the applicator 1420 iscapable of moving the applicator head 1444 in a composite motionincluding both a vibrational element and a rotational element.

An applicator 1450 capable of producing a composite applicator headmotion including one or more vibrational, radial, and rotationalcomponents is illustrated in FIG. 49. The applicator 1450 includes ahandle 1452 with an inner sleeve 1454 coupled thereto. The applicator1450 also includes a drive 1455 with a motor 1456 supported inside theinner sleeve 1454 by a spring 1458. The motor 1456 includes a rotatingshaft 1460 and an eccentrically mounted weight 1462 coupled thereto. Aswitch 1464 and a battery 1466 are operably coupled to the motor 1456. Ahollow applicator head 1468 is sized to receive a free end of the spring1458. The applicator head 1468 includes a socket 1470 sized to rotatablyreceive an applicator head 1472, so that the applicator head 1472 isfree to rotate with respect to the applicator head 1468. A shroud 1469may be provided to enclose a gap between opposing ends of the innersleeve 1454 and the applicator head 1468.

In operation, rotation of the motor 1456 generates a rotational forcethat is isolated from the handle 1452 by one end of the spring 1458 andtransferred to the applicator head 1468 by the other end of the spring1458. The spring 1458 allows the applicator head 1468 to radiallytranslated (i.e., to move in a circular path with respect to the innersleeve 1454 without rotating). The applicator head 1472, in turn, isfree to rotate with respect to the applicator head 1468. As a result,the applicator 1450 is capable of moving the applicator head 1472 in acomposite motion including a radial translation component, a vibrationalcomponent, and/or a rotational component.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 48 and 49, the spring, motor,and eccentric weight may be selected to produce a desired frequency andamplitude for the applicator head motion. The spring may be matched tothe motor and weight so that it is energized at or near its naturalfrequency. When so matched, the motor force is amplified by the springand delivered to the applicator head, thereby reducing the powerrequired by the motor to produce a given displacement of the applicatorhead.

FIG. 50 illustrates another applicator 1530 for moving an applicatorhead 1532 with rotational and vibrational motion. The applicator 1530includes a handle 1534. A toothed cam 1536 is disposed in the housingand includes a sleeve 1538. A applicator head 1540 is coupled to thetoothed cam and carries the applicator head 1532. A motor 1542 includesa rotating shaft coupled to the sleeve 1538. A battery 1544 and switch1546 are disposed in the handle 1534 and operatively coupled to themotor 1542. In operation, the motor 1542 rotates the cam 1536 over teeth1548 formed in the housing to produce a composite applicator head motionhaving a rotational component and a vibrational component. The vibrationis applied to the handle 1534 to provide tactile feedback to a user.

FIGS. 51A and 51B illustrate an applicator 1550 with vibrational androtational motion of the applicator head. The applicator 1550 includes ahandle 1554. A applicator head 1556 includes a applicator head extension1558 includes a stabilizing blades 1560 and teeth 1562 adapted to engagegear teeth 1564 coupled to the handle 1554. A motor 1566 is coupled tothe applicator head extension 1558 and is operatively coupled to abattery 1570 and switch 1572. In operation, the motor 1566 rotates theapplicator head extension 1558 to drive the teeth 1562 over the gearteeth 1564, thereby to generate a vibrational motion of the applicatorhead 1552. The vibration is passed through the handle 1554 to providetactile feedback to a user.

An applicator may have an applicator head or combined applicator headand applicator head that may be independently removable from the handleto allow a variety of customized applicators to be used with the samehandle. The removable head or head/applicator head combination mayinclude a locking mechanism. The applicator head may further be adaptedto provide a combination of both moving (i.e., rotating, axial moving,etc.) and stationary protrusions.

Assembly and Use of the Applicator

The applicator 100, according to any of the embodiments described above,may be manufactured as a single unit. That is, the applicator head 106may be coupled to the drive 104 in such a fashion that attempts todecouple the applicator head 106 from the drive 104 may result in damageto one or both of the head 106 and the drive 104, rendering the head 106and/or drive 104 inoperable. Alternatively, the applicator head and/ordrive 104 may be coupled to the handle 102 to the same effect. Theapplicator 100 may be packaged and sold together with a bottle of thecosmetic, mascara for example.

However, the components of the applicator 100 may also be manufacturedso as to be packaged and sold separately.

For example, the applicator head 106 may be selectively detachable fromthe drive 104 and/or handle 102, such that a variety of heads 106 may beused with a given drive 104 and handle 102. After this fashion, the usermay be permitted to change between applicator heads 106 having differentapplicator element profiles (see FIG. 29A-V, for example) or applicatorelement distributions (see FIGS. 33A-M, for example) without the need toobtain or purchase more than a single drive 104/handle 102 unit.According to these embodiments, one or more applicator heads 106 and adrive 104/handle 102 unit may be packaged and sold as a kit, andapplicator heads 106 may be packaged and sold separately from a drive104/handle 102 as refills or replacements for the drive 104/handle 102units.

Moreover, following along these lines, the applicator head 106 may bepackaged and sold as a unit 1700 with the a bottle of cosmetic material(for example, mascara) 1702, as shown in FIG. 52. For example, theapplicator head 106 may include a threaded portion 1704 that engages asimilarly threaded portion 1706 of the bottle 1702. The head 106 maythen be coupled to the drive 104/handle 102 at the time of use. Thedrive 104/handle 102 could be packaged and sold with the combination1700 of the head 106 and bottle 1702 as part of a kit, or the drive104/handle 102 could be packaged and sold separately from the head106/bottle 1702.

It will be recognized that the head 106 is not the only component of theapplicator that may be packaged and sold separately. For example, asalso illustrated in FIG. 52, the power source 124 may be selectivelydetachable from the remainder of the drive 104. Furthermore, the powersource 124 may be coupled with a drive circuit 1720 to form a type ofintelligent power source 1722 that may not only provide voltage andcurrent to the motor 120, but also may control the speed of theapplicator head 106 to provide a non-fixed rotational speed, such asshown in FIGS. 41 and 42, or provide some other control function(directionality of motion, for example). After this fashion, selectionand combination of the intelligent power source 1722 with the remainderof the drive 104 may significantly influence the performance of theapplicator 100.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description are, in relevant part,incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not tobe construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to thepresent invention.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

1. A cosmetic applicator comprising: a handle; a drive coupled to thehandle; an applicator head coupled to the drive; and a torque limitercomprising a fluidic or viscous coupling, the fluidic or viscouscoupling being coupled to at least one of the drive and the applicatorhead such that the torque applied via the applicator head does notexceed a predetermined allowable torque.
 2. The cosmetic applicatoraccording to claim 1, wherein the drive comprises an electric motor. 3.The cosmetic applicator according to claim 1, wherein the drivecomprises a mechanical motor.
 4. The cosmetic applicator according toclaim 1, wherein the fluidic or viscous coupling is coupled between theapplicator head and the drive to transmit motion between the drive andthe applicator head.
 5. The cosmetic applicator according to claim 1,wherein the fluidic or viscous coupling comprises a first finned devicecoupled to the drive and a second finned device coupled to theapplicator head.
 6. The cosmetic applicator according to claim 5,wherein the first finned device is a fan and the second finned device isa pump.
 7. The cosmetic applicator according to claim 5, wherein theviscous coupling comprises a housing having a first end through whichthe first finned device depends and a second end through which thesecond finned device depends, and a fluid disposed within the housing.8. The cosmetic applicator according to claim 1, wherein the viscouscoupling comprises first surface, a second surface spaced from the firstsurface to define a gap therebetween, and a fluid disposed in the gap.9. The cosmetic applicator according to claim 8, wherein the gap issealed.
 10. The cosmetic applicator according to claim 1, wherein thefluidic or viscous coupling comprises a gas, a liquid, a semi-solid or asolid with fluid-like characteristics.